Dust Disease Diaries: Real lives, real stories of asbestos & beyond

It’s early 2024 and bonded asbestos has been found in mulch across Sydney. What do we need to know and should we be worried? 

In early 2024, bonded asbestos was discovered in the mulch of the brand-new Rozelle Parklands, sparking public concern. Then more was found in landscaping sites across Sydney. This has shone a light on the fact that asbestos is still very much a problem today. 

Peter Tighe, Independent Chair of the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and the former CEO of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) has an enormous wealth of experience and knowledge about asbestos in Australia. In this episode, he clearly explains why asbestos is still a problem today and more prevalent than we think. He answers the questions everyone is now asking: What is bonded asbestos and what are the risks? Should we be worried? And what needs to happen to ensure people are protected? 

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios  

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

A young lawyer stumbles on an asbestos litigation case that sets him on a journey to drive legislative changes in NSW – changes that were then adopted around the country. In this episode, join James O’Loghlin as he delves into the world of asbestos litigation in Australia with one of its pioneering figures, Armando Gardiman.  

Armando sheds light on the evolution of asbestos compensation claims, from the harrowing 'Bedside hearings' to the establishment of a fairer compensation system for individuals affected by mesothelioma and other dust diseases.

To listen to Armando’s story is to listen to the extraordinary stories and circumstances that led to the changing landscape of asbestos compensation over the past 40 years. It also recounts the journey towards establishing ADDRI as a specialised research facility to drive advancements in better diagnostic, treatment and support for people diagnosed with a dust disease. 

Importantly, Armando discusses why it is so important for people secure financial security for themselves and their families; and the crucial role of legal teams in supporting people through this process to ease the mental and emotional toll.    

Disclaimer:  This is a historical account of the changes to legislation in Australia over the past 40 years and represent the individual experiences and viewpoints of the participants engaged in the discussion.

You can read more about Armando Gardiman here: 

https://www.turnerfreeman.com.au/team/armando-gardiman/

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.adri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

Kate Cole OAM Certified Occupational Hygienist

The history, hazards and massive health impacts of Silicosis in Australia 

Today’s conversation shines a spotlight on silicosis – a national health crisis and a topic that has been prevalent in the media for much of 2023. 

In this episode, James sits down with Kate Cole OAM, an expert in respirable silica. As a Certified Occupational Hygienist, she provides the science behind workplace health and safety and debunks the following questions: What is crystalline silica and why is it so hazardous? With a high concentration of silica and creation of a lot of dust – why is engineered stone the ‘perfect storm’ that is seeing one in four workers facing a silica disease? What is the history of silicosis in Australia and what needs to be done to ensure that workers are not getting sick and dying from preventable occupational exposure? 

Kate shares her knowledge and experience in protecting workers from the dangers of silica dust, and discusses the blessings and frustrations of her job – and how she translates her passion into action to drive change to protect Australian workers. 

Note: As we launch today’s episode, the NSW Government has announced a 6-month campaign targeting silica dust exposure in the construction and tunnelling industry. And as at 13 December 2023, during the national meeting of Work Health and Safety ministers, the Federal Government has committed to a national ban on engineered stone to come into effect in most jurisdictions on the 1st July 2024.

You can find out more about Kate Cole and her work here.

You can find out more about the National Dust Diseases Task Force here.

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic: navigating the workers’ compensation process when diagnosed with a dust disease. In this conversation, James is joined by Katherine Stone the Head of Dust Diseases Care at iCare. Together, they shed light on the workers compensation process in NSW. 

Katherine provides an overview of the Dust Diseases Care Scheme, explaining how it provides crucial support to individuals who have been exposed to harmful dust in the workplace, as well as their dependants.  During this, conversation, James and Katherine delve into the scheme, simplify the application process and dispel common misconceptions. Importantly, it humanises the scheme and the people that guide and support individuals in their workers compensation journey.  

To find out more about Dust Diseases Care at iCare:

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/work-related-dust-disease/who-we-care-for#gref

You can find out about the Lung Screening Service and the Lung Bus here:

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/work-related-dust-disease/services-and-support/lung-screening-service#gref

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email

[email protected]

A young girl helping her father to build a garden shed would never dream that the shavings she innocently played with would one day lead to a cancer diagnosis. 

How does a person find the inner strength to go from living a full life to facing three consecutive cancer diagnoses?  In 2021, Lisa was preparing for the start of an extraordinary year. Recently relocated to the Southern Highlands with her partner she was to celebrate her 60th birthday and was looking forward to a rescheduled overseas trip. 

However, she decided to visit a local GP about some niggling abdominal pain – and her cancer journey begun. 

In this episode, Lisa share’s her remarkable story of resilience in the face of three significant cancer diagnoses: papillary peritoneal mesothelioma, breast cancer, and finally malignant epitheloid peritoneal mesothelioma. She walks us through her diagnosis, treatment, recovery and ultimately, the active life she has regained. Join us as we explore Lisa’s inspiring journey – and the advice and hope she offers to people who may be facing similar circumstances. 

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

Information on the ‘big’ operation, the surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma can be found here: 

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/peritoneal-mesothelioma/active-treatment/surgery/

Visit Chris O’Brien Lifehouse to find out more about their lung and mesothelioma cancer treatment and their surgical team: https://www.mylifehouse.org.au/departments/lung-mesothelioma-thoracic-cancer/

Meet Associate Professor Steven Kao, Mesothelioma Medical Oncologist here:

https://adri.org.au/our-team/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

When a patient visits an oncologist, they know they're facing a challenging journey. But what does it look like from the doctor's perspective? In this episode, we sit down with Dr Anthony Linton, a medical oncologist and a specialist in mesothelioma.

Have you ever wondered how a young medical student decides to specialise in oncology? And how does a doctor navigate the complicated path of treating an incurable cancer with their patients? From the other side of the desk, Dr Linton's story unfolds — one of unwavering commitment, compassion and the power of hope.

Join us as we delve into the world of oncology through the eyes of a dedicated medical professional, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards encountered in the pursuit of better treatment and care for patients with mesothelioma.

Dr Anthony Linton is a Medical Oncologist at the Concord Cancer Centre at Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney. He specialises in mesothelioma, undertaking his PhD on the prognosis and treatment of this asbestos cancer. His work is widely published and he is a long standing advisor to ADDRI. Read more about Dr Anthony Linton here https://adri.org.au/advisors/

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

To find out more about mesothelioma, please visit

https://adri.org.au/mesothelioma/

What is immunotherapy? https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/pleural-mesothelioma/active-treatment/immunotherapy/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]

Welcome to the launch episode of our podcast series that dives into the emotional and challenging experiences of individuals facing asbestos and dust-related diseases, as well as those that treat and care for them. Today, we share the compelling journey of Sandie Foreman, who found herself facing an unexpected battle with cancer.

In 2016, Sandie visited her G.P. for what seemed like a minor discomfort. Little did she know that this would be the moment her life would take an unforeseen turn. A shocking diagnosis of mesothelioma—an aggressive malignant cancer caused by exposure to asbestos—with a mere 18 months to live.

However, Sandie's story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of choice. Confronted with the dire prognosis, she made the decision to undergo radical and highly invasive surgery. 

In this episode, we delve into the experiences of someone navigating a terrible diagnosis. How do you begin to deal with the process? How do you navigate the complex medical system and all the decisions that need to be made? How do you find hope? Sandie's story provides insight into these questions, offering hope to others who may find themselves in similar circumstances.

To find out more about the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and to access support, please head to https://adri.org.au/

A clinical overview of the treatment for mesothelioma is available here 

https://adri.org.au/whocc/etoolkit-2021/treatment-of-mesothelioma/

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au

If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected]